Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB looks at the news that you may have missed across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This week: NFL popularity on the rise among Paddy Power customers, Evolutions moves closer to Galaxy Gaming acquisition and Victoria launches Gambling Harm Awareness Week.
NFL betting popularity on the rise with Paddy Power
First, Paddy Power has revealed increasing interest in NFL betting. American football is now the third most popular of all sports among customers in the UK and Ireland.
Data from the operator shows only football and horse racing have been more popular than the NFL in 2024. This is in contrast to 2021 when NFL ranked seventh in popularity, also behind golf, boxing, rugby union and darts.
In the past year, the NFL jumped from fifth to third on the most popular sports list at Paddy Power. The operator puts this down to several reasons including better coverage on television and an improved offering on its own sportsbook.
“Organic growth in NFL interest, an enhanced product offering, the halo impact from growth in soccer activity and our enhanced strategic focus on the NFL [have helped],” Paddy Power’s commercial manager David Curran said.
Evolution shareholders approve Galaxy Gaming acquisition
Next, Evolution has taken a step closer to acquiring Galaxy Gaming after its shareholders voted to approve the deal.
Evolution agreed to acquire Galaxy in July for approximately $85 million (£67 million/€80 million), or $124m including net debt. The deal is contingent on several closing conditions.
This includes the approval of Evolution shareholders, which was secured at a special meeting last week. Subject to other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close mid-2025.
Upon completion, Galaxy will become a privately held company. Shares of its common stock will no longer be listed on public markets.
Evolution extends FanDuel Casino partnership
Also at Evolution, the group announced a three-year extension to its US-facing agreement with FanDuel Casino. The deal will see Evolution remain the sole provider of core live dealer casino games to FanDuel.
FanDuel customers will continue to have access to Evolution and Ezugi’s full portfolio of live casino games. These include slots from NetEnt, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming and Nolimit City.
This marks the second extension of a partnership that began in 2020. This saw Evolution’s live dealer games integrated into FanDuel’s Casino platform
“Expanding our partnership with Evolution for live casino and RNG games enables us to consistently provide a top-tier experience to our customers,” FanDuel Casino managing director Asaf Noifeld said.
Full House reveals new management at Rising Star
Also in the US, Full House Resorts announced a change in management for its Rising Star Casino Resort in Indiana, subject to customary gaming approvals.
Jeff Michie will become vice president and general manager of the venue. Michie is replacing Angi Truebner-Webb, who is moving to the role of general manager at Full House’s Silver Slipper Casino Hotel in Mississippi.
Michie joins Rising Star from Casino del Sol, a large casino resort in Arizona. Here, he spent time as chief financial officer, overseeing the property’s finance, surveillance and golf course departments.
Prior to this, he served in senior management positions at several other casinos including Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Belterra Casino Resort & Spa.
Victoria launches Gambling Harm Awareness Week
Finally this week, the Victoria Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) in Australia has launched its 2024 Gambling Harm Awareness Week.
Throughout the week, the VGCCC will run campaigns promoting responsible gambling. This will include raising awareness of how different products work, industry tactics and how players can protect themselves from gambling harm.
The initiative will also remind gambling providers of their legal and social responsibilities to minimise the risks of gambling harm to customers.
The Victoria-focused project is running at the same time as the UK’s Safer Gambling Week.
